Job summary
The Pan Dorset Learning Disabilities Intensive support Team are looking for a passionate dynamic imaginative Band 6 Practitioner,

This role would be suitable for a RNLD, RNMH or Occupational therapist who has had previous experience working with people with a learning disability and or associated Mental Health presentation, who may be in crises, have experienced trauma in there lives, who may be at risk of placement breakdown or specialist hospital admission.

The Intensive Support Team works with adults with learning disabilities and/or autism who present with complex needs, including distressed behaviour, mental health difficulties, and significant psychosocial stressors.The service is community-based we provide a service 7 days a week and this includes all bank holidays , aiming to prevent hospital admissions, support people through periods of crisis, and promote stability, quality of life, and meaningful engagement.Practice within the team is person-centred, trauma-informed, and formulation-led, with a strong emphasis on relational safety for both service users and staff.

Main duties of the job
The Intensive Support Team works with adults with learning disabilities and/or autism who present with complex needs, including distressed behaviour, mental health difficulties, and significant psychosocial stressors.The service is community-based, aiming to prevent hospital admissions, support people through periods of crisis, and promote stability, quality of life, and meaningful engagement.Practice within the team is person-centred, trauma-informed, and formulation-led, with a strong emphasis on relational safety for both service users and staff.

You Will:

• Lead elements of care coordination and case formulation
• Provide clinical guidance and informal support to junior staff
• Contribute to service development, audits, and quality improvement
• Model trauma-informed, compassionate practice within the MDT

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of.

Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Please ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.

About us
At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do, and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion, and expertise in all we do.

Details
Date posted: 23 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year
Unsocial hours
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 152-M326.26
Job locations: Delphwood or Acland Road Dorchester, Ashdown Close Canford Heath, Poole, BH17 8WG, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidates individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role.

All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Person Specification
Knowledge, skills and training
Essential

• Must hold RNLD or RNMH or Occupational Therapist Degree/ Diploma
• Evidence of continued professional development

Job Specific
Essential

• Experience of specialist work with people with a learning disability

Desirable

• Experience of working with in a community setting

Buisiness Travel
Essential

• Must hold full Uk licence and have a car for work purposes

Desirable

• Be prepared to drive county wide and country wide for purpose of assessment and treatment of patients

Managerial
Essential

• Evidence of providing clinical supervision and mentoring to junior staff

Desirable

• Evidence of providing mentoring for students

personal qulities / attributes
Essential

• Experience of planning and managing complex activities

Desirable

• Evidence of adaptive communication skills,

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name: Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Delphwood or Acland Road Dorchester, Ashdown Close Canford Heath, Poole, BH17 8WG, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Senior Clinical Lead, Lynne Holmes, lynne.holmes4@nhs.net, 01202636158

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.